Five people have been charged in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry, as announced by the US Attorney’s Office. The charges, revealed at a press conference in Los Angeles, stem from the discovery of an underground network of drug sellers linked to the distribution of ketamine, which is believed to have caused Perry’s death.
The accused include two physicians, Perry’s personal assistant, and an individual referred to as “The Ketamine Queen.” US Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the defendants exploited Perry’s struggles with addiction, emphasizing their awareness of the wrongdoing.
Three of the five charged individuals have reached plea agreements, while Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, who allegedly operated a drug selling operation from her residence, were indicted on Wednesday.
Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” was found deceased in October 2023 at the age of 54. Autopsy results indicated that he died from acute ketamine effects and subsequent drowning.
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram criticized the practices of both unscrupulous physicians and street dealers in Perry’s case, highlighting the ongoing efforts by the DEA to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs.
Estrada noted that Perry struggled with addiction again in Fall 2023, which made him vulnerable. Allegations against Plasencia include collusion with Dr. Mark Chavez to provide Perry with ketamine, which was administered to him by his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who lacked medical credentials.
Chavez is expected to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, while Iwamasa has already pleaded guilty to the same charge causing death. Eric Fleming, another defendant, has also admitted to distributing the ketamine that led to Perry’s demise.
Prosecutors revealed that Perry received about 20 vials of ketamine over a two-month span, costing him approximately $55,000. Estrada highlighted Plasencia’s profit-driven motives, stating that he expressed a desire to be Perry’s exclusive supplier in text messages.
In his memoir, Perry detailed his lengthy battle with drug addiction, which began after a jet ski accident in 1997, leading to the consumption of numerous medications, including an addiction to Vicodin.
The use of ketamine has increased in recent years for treating depression and other mental health issues. Sources indicated that before his death, Perry was undergoing ketamine therapy with at least two doctors.
Milgram expressed the hope that Perry’s tragedy could serve as a lesson for others and reiterated the issue of betrayal of trust among health professionals.
Perry’s death shocked fans and co-stars from “Friends,” who described him as family and expressed deep grief over his passing. Following the incident, an investigation was launched to determine the source of the drugs involved in Perry’s death and whether any laws were violated.
Both Estrada and LA Police Chief Dominic Choi dismissed suggestions that the investigation’s scope was influenced by Perry’s celebrity status, affirming that every life is valuable. This story is still developing and will be updated with new information as it becomes available.